Collections Assistant (Museums)

Job Description

Our Client is looking to hire a Collections Assistant (Museums).The Collections Assistant (Museums) post supports access to these important research collections, by

• Undertaking the safe movement of objects required for research, digitisation, teaching and engagement, ensuring good locations management
• Packing and arranging transportation of loans (working with curators, conservators and technical staff)
• Assisting researchers, students and volunteers engaging with collections, including provision of guidance on the safe and appropriate handling of a diverse range of object types
• Supporting the installation and de-installation of displays and exhibitions (including gallery rotations)
• Providing security oversight of research centre
• Undertaking basic level cataloguing of new acquisitions and upgrading of existing catalogue records (working with relevant specialist curators) and assisting colleagues in general collections management work
• Taking an active role in supporting research, teaching and engagement activities undertaken by the MGE and Learning & Engagement team members
• Participating in short-term working groups and project work

Core responsibilities:

• Provide a responsive and proactive support service for stakeholders.
• Focus on checking stakeholder requirements to ensure the delivery of excellence with the frontline stakeholder experience
• Respond to service users answering and recording standard queries and bookings for activities and/or events.
• Contribute to the planning of team activities, work and deadlines to ensure the smooth running and timeliness of service.
• Solve day-to-day routine problems and source background information within the role.
• Record data and information accurately and provide reports as required to team members and more experienced staff, in particular in relation to pest- and environmental monitoring.
• Operate a booking and enquiry service and process requests finding solutions or escalating queries where necessary.
• Maintaining a flexible approach to accommodate the needs of team members and/or service users.
• Assist team members to organise, plan and prepare for events, meetings and activities.
• Liaise with internal and external users of collections suppliers, contractors and professional specialists to pass on information.
• Apply professional and regulatory procedures and processes and use of systems
• Liaise and collaborate with staff in other areas of the organisation to ensure a seamless, smooth and efficient service.
• Resolve queries and requests for information and advice and escalate more specialist and complex queries or issues to more experienced team members.

Role responsibilities:

• Work with team members to ensure the timeliness and relevance of services.
• Apply recognised professional, and organisational service level standards to enhance collections care, collections security and the stakeholder experience.
• Provide guidance to service users relating to the use of and access to collections, exhibitions, resources and equipment.
• Liaise with internal and external suppliers and specialists with the organisation, planning and delivery of services, activities and events.
• Work with team members and others across the organisation to prepare for the delivery of teaching, research support, loans, exhibitions, activities and events
• Record, collate, analyse, store and report data and information on the level and uptake of research, rand other collections-related services (both on site and remote) and quality of experience.
• Compile, record, store and archive data and information (including catalogue records) to ensure the accuracy and safety of information.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Reward and BenefitsTo support the delivery of the Universitys People Strategy to attract, retain and reward the very best, they offer a fantastic range of rewards and benefits to their staff, including:

• 27 days annual leave, plus 4 customary days and 8 bank holidays (pro-rata for part time) and the option to purchase additional leave;
• Automatic enrolment into a pension scheme;
• Corporate and local discounts;
• Wellbeing resources and discounted health benefits;
• Health discounts on sports and activities at Maiden Castle Health and Activity Centre;
• Reward and Recognition Schemes;
• Personal and career development;

Essential Criteria:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
2. Proven IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office.
3. Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
4. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
5. Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.
6. Experience of working on the front line with service delivery, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
7. Experience of working as part of a team in a customer focussed service to ensure the delivery of high quality services.
8. Ability to manage own time effectively to assess priorities and meet deadlines.
9. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
10. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.
11. Ability to lift and carry items and boxes up to 25kg (within HSE guidelines)
12. An demonstrable interest in museum collections.

Keyskills :
BookingsCollectionsSportsSupportsCatalogue